AFL makes changes to tribunal, match review panel

The AFL's judiciary system has undergone some changes following a review of the system at the end of 2013, which will be implemented in the 2014 season.

Football operations manager Mark Evans will now be able to refer incidents directly to the tribunal, the AFL website reports. He can also send a case to the tribunal even after the match review panel has graded it.

In the past, the football operations manager has been able to lay a charge and grade an incident, but the 2014 changes increase the footy boss' power.

Other changes include more clarity for the match review panel over what constitutes negligent, reckless and intentional action, as well as clearer definitions on grading the impact of offences as low, medium, high and severe.

Evans told the AFL website that the review focused on how the system could produce more consistent results.

"The AFL's review was centred around how can the system be simplified and more easily understood, as well as modified to produce more equitable and consistent results," Evans said.

There have also been personnel changes, with former Tiger Joel Bowden added to the match review panel, replacing Bryan Sheehan. Former Carlton player Rod Austin has been invited to assist the panel in an advisory capacity and former Melbourne player David Neitz has been added to the panel of former players who can sit on the tribunal.

Former Blue Michael Sexton has joined the list of people who can sit on the AFL appeals board, replacing John Winneke.

And Ross Howie has become the the deputy chairman of the tribunal, replacing the retired John Hassett.